LIMA — This week is always circled on calendars for racing fans around the area. The Ohio Logistics 35th annual Ohio Sprint Speedweek comes to Limaland Motorsports Park on Friday night. The pit gate opens at 4:30 p.m. and racing begins at 7:30 p.m.
The All-Star Sprints will be on hand and at the end of Speedweek, most of the drivers will have raced eight races in nine days.
One of those busy drivers is Delphos native Shawn Dancer.
Dancer, who has been racing in the 360 sprints since 2010, is excited to be competing in the 410 sprints Friday night against some stiff competition.
“It’s a big week for sprint car drivers,” Dancer said. “You have to be on top of your game. There are some big drivers competing (Friday night). I compete in the 360s weekly at Limaland and that is always tough competition. Competing in the 410s will be even more difficult. It’s a notch up. There are 45-50 good cars. Everybody brings their ‘A’ game for Speedweek.”
Dancer has traveled all over the United States since he has been involved in racing. Going as far west as California and as far south as Florida and Arkansas. Even though he’s traveled the country and competed in some significant races, Dancer believes that there’s no place quite like his home track.
“It’s great competing at Limaland because it’s our hometown,” Dancer said. “It’s really one of the top tracks I go to. It’s always one great show. The crowds and fans are awesome. Sometimes it can be more stressful than traveling to other states or tracks because I have more fans and family here. I always expect myself to do well in front of them.”
Just like many drivers, Dancer got his love for racing at a young age.
“I raced go-karts when I was five and did that for about 10 years,” Dancer said. “Then I picked up motocross until I was about 18, just racing locally around Ohio. Then about seven years ago I woke up and decided to buy a sprint car. I bought one from Jason Sides, who races with the World of Outlaws.”
Dancer has also been fortunate to be surrounded by people who have a lot of knowledge about the sport.
“My dad and I always sat and watched Steve Kinser on TV,” Dancer said. “Steve has showed me the ropes and helped get me going. I always wanted to race. I got into the winged 360s because some of your best drivers are winged sprint drivers. They are the fastest horsepower to weight ratio racing on dirt. It’s a lot of fun.”
For complete results of the Ohio Logistics 35th annual Ohio Sprint Speedweek, check out the Sunday edition of The Lima News.
Weekend warriors return
WAYNESFIELD – After a week off, the weekend warriors return to Waynesfield Raceway Park. All five weekly classes will be on hand, including the Quest Federal Credit Union Non Wing Sprint Cars, Performance Powder Coating AMSA Mini Sprints, Satellite Connections UMP Modifieds, Block Insurance Tough Trucks and the Indian Lake Outfitter Compacts. The UMP Modifieds, which have seen car counts hovering around the 30 range, will be running for a $1,000 to win payday. In addition, the Performance Powder Coating AMSA Mini Sprints will be running wingless.
Adult general admission is just $12. Kids aged 11-15 years old are just $6 with everyone under the age of 10 admitted for free. Pit access is available for $25.
Pit side gates open at 4 p.m. and grandstands at 5 p.m.. Hot laps get underway at 6 p.m. with the first green flag of the night flying at 7.
